Wouldn’t it be lovely if life were a little bit less challenging? While we might relish some forms of challenge – the ones that ultimately reward us with personal fulfilment and a sense of purpose – it’s fair to say that others could be dispensed with. In many cases, all it takes to do this is a small, practical adjustment to our habits and routines.
Let’s consider what these changes might look like.
Simplify Your Daily Routines
Over the course of a given week, we might have a finite amount of mental energy to expend. What’s more, we might be able to draw upon more of this energy at some moments than in others. During the early morning rush of getting ready to leave the house, you might struggle to get through tasks like making lunch.
It’s for this reason that getting things done in advance, and being consistent about it, can be so worthwhile. When you make certain things a routine, they tend to cost less mental effort. You won’t need to spend energy thinking things through when you know, through repetition, exactly what’s required in a given moment.
Prioritise Everyday Comfort
It’s fair to say that constant discomfort isn’t always conducive to a great state of mind. When your shoes are constantly digging into your ankles, or your T-shirt is a little bit too tight around the torso, you might struggle to focus on the assignment that’s in front of you. At the same time, it’s important to dress for the job you’re doing, so that you give that job the kind of attention it really merits.
Breathable clothing, a comfortable home environment, and appropriate footwear might all contribute to a broader sense of ease. Comfortable women’s sandals, for example, might be a great match for spending work-from-home days in the garden during summer.
Make Time for Small Moments of Ease
Comfort and personal ease don’t tend to arrive in large doses. Rather than planning ahead to a stay at a luxury wellness retreat, you might focus on those small moments that can add to, or detract from, your sense of ease over the course of a given day. If you find that you’re hungry by the time the afternoon sets in, then packing a larger lunch might be worthwhile. If you find that you’re getting stir-crazy, getting out of the house for a walk might be advisable.
Perhaps the best way to keep track of your changes is with the help of a journal. By reflecting on your day in writing, you’ll be in a better place to identify those moments and to address them.